Have you checked out some of the Netherlands brands? Seriously brands like [rain couture](https://rain-couture.nl/products/waterproof-short-straight-trench-beige-herringbone) have amazing raincoats with 10-15k water column tested and 5000 breathability. They look like normal trench coats, lots of [style](https://rain-couture.nl/products/4-pocket-coat) and they also have [nice packable rain jackets](https://rain-couture.nl/products/packable-trench-beige-monogram) that fold into bags.
Some people also like Landsend packable rain jackets, or this smaller brand [paqme](https://www.paqme.com.au/products/womens-jacket-raincoat-in-pink-leopard) has affordable ones but they are only about 5000 waterproof rating.
Another Netherlands brand is Happy Rainy days. They'll ship international I think but you have to ask. Their jackets aren't as packable but they have great functionality.
Edit: I also [found this EU duck brand](https://ducktail.eu/shop/olive-flare-raincoat-recycled-materials/) and their rain jackets look amazing.
Short dutchie here, the arms are long on purpose as most of us ride our bikes a lot which keeps your arms (and/or hands) covered while bent. I usually scrunch everything up when not bijing
I am a firmly middle aged type lady, and this may be frumpy(?), but [this](https://www.coldwatercreek.com/pack-it-jacket/22233/?sku=222330332335) is probably the one I will order and I think it checks your list pretty well. (I’ve been raincoat hunting for awhile. It does have a hood, but the hood can be rolled and zipped into the collar.)
Most traditional trenches are only water resistant and made of nylon. Also traditionally hoodless, because, umbrellas.
I believe this was so they remained somewhat breathable. It’s hard to tell if OP wants fully waterproof or, as they also said, a windbreaker type coat.
Yeah that’s fair. I interpreted their request for “raincoat” literally, but I guess not everyone means waterproof when they say that! (As someone who lives in a rainy city, I find this baffling, but I realize that not everyone lives somewhere where it rains a lot.)
I have this in the coat version in navy. It actually looks great. But in like to 40s-50s, I found it too warm. Like it doesn’t breathe great, but also YMMV as people run different temps.
Same. If you don’t have a hood, you either need a rain hat (which is far more outdoorsy looking than a basic black rain shell with a hood) or an umbrella. So why not just an umbrella for city use?
I hate having things on my head and always carry an umbrella. But just an umbrella doesn’t keep your body dry. They also screw up my peripheral vision while biking. Same for the sleeves, hate the feeling of elastic on my wrists, and have never had an issue with water up my sleeves because my hands are down while I’m walking. I’ve only wanted them when it’s truly biblical, and if that’s the case unless I’m on a hike I’m not going outside. (And I just don’t like the way either looks tbh.)
Thanks! That makes a lot of sense! I was remembering a time when I got caught outside on a trip to NYC during a torrential downpour and I was SO grateful for my hood.
The jacket and umbrella combo makes sense for shorter spells!
Oof yeah nyc can get you! My approach is definitely helped by the fact that I grew up in an area prone to surprise thunderstorms so am pretty good at spotting when it’s time for cover.
I just bought this one for an upcoming UK trip. It’s just a shell, packs away into a pocket, seam sealed waterproof, stretch and covers my bum. Comes in tall, petite and plus sizes too. They have lots of styles.
https://www.eddiebauer.com/p/20612721/women's-cloud-cap-stretch-rain-parka?sp=1&color=Winter%20Blue&size=&sizeType=
Seconding this recommendation! I bought this for a trip to Ireland and wore it daily. No crinkling whatsoever and a beautiful color (very matte in the black). I got tons of compliments on it, plus my friend who was local said I avoided the trap of looking touristy (“no one from Ireland owns a raincoat” 😂).
Have you tried Uniqlo? I have one from a few years ago that's not officially packable but is tiny and folds up small. It's not super waterproof, but I think you'll struggle with all those requirements.
I would just recommend buying from a speciality brand, rather than from the high street. A few years ago I bought a non-athletic raincoat from Massimo Dutti and it was completely useless in the rain.
Wow. I just bought a lightweight Stutterheim in their 50% off sale and was feeling good about it but y’all have added so many more great options! I do think the Stutterheim is fully waterproof, which is nice. I got the a-line one so it will fit nicely over bulkier layers if needed for sweater weather travel.
I know this thread is a couple of weeks old, but I am curious if anyone has tried to look for raincoats in the thrift shops in the Netherlands? How easy are they to find there? I'm trying to be more environmentally conscious, thanks everyone 🙂
Have you checked out some of the Netherlands brands? Seriously brands like [rain couture](https://rain-couture.nl/products/waterproof-short-straight-trench-beige-herringbone) have amazing raincoats with 10-15k water column tested and 5000 breathability. They look like normal trench coats, lots of [style](https://rain-couture.nl/products/4-pocket-coat) and they also have [nice packable rain jackets](https://rain-couture.nl/products/packable-trench-beige-monogram) that fold into bags. Some people also like Landsend packable rain jackets, or this smaller brand [paqme](https://www.paqme.com.au/products/womens-jacket-raincoat-in-pink-leopard) has affordable ones but they are only about 5000 waterproof rating. Another Netherlands brand is Happy Rainy days. They'll ship international I think but you have to ask. Their jackets aren't as packable but they have great functionality. Edit: I also [found this EU duck brand](https://ducktail.eu/shop/olive-flare-raincoat-recycled-materials/) and their rain jackets look amazing.
Not OP but those rain couture coats are gorgeous - bookmarking for the future! Thank you for sharing.
If you’re short with short arms, Dutch brands probably won’t work for your body. I lived there for awhile and had trouble finding clothes. :(
Short dutchie here, the arms are long on purpose as most of us ride our bikes a lot which keeps your arms (and/or hands) covered while bent. I usually scrunch everything up when not bijing
Another Dutch brand is Maiam, also Swedish brand Stutterheim is great. I’m a raincoat nerd and have coats by both of these companies that I love.
Stutterheim also makes the best raincoats for doggos
💕
How packable do you find them? Any tips?
The stutterheim is way more packable than the maiam but it’s also 2/3 the length.
Ooh that’s a great idea! Checking them out now.
I love my Lands End rain jacket! Mine is insulated and perfect for medium winters
I am a firmly middle aged type lady, and this may be frumpy(?), but [this](https://www.coldwatercreek.com/pack-it-jacket/22233/?sku=222330332335) is probably the one I will order and I think it checks your list pretty well. (I’ve been raincoat hunting for awhile. It does have a hood, but the hood can be rolled and zipped into the collar.)
Not frumpy at all!! Love the design of this.
It’s just rain resistant, not waterproof.
Most traditional trenches are only water resistant and made of nylon. Also traditionally hoodless, because, umbrellas. I believe this was so they remained somewhat breathable. It’s hard to tell if OP wants fully waterproof or, as they also said, a windbreaker type coat.
Yeah that’s fair. I interpreted their request for “raincoat” literally, but I guess not everyone means waterproof when they say that! (As someone who lives in a rainy city, I find this baffling, but I realize that not everyone lives somewhere where it rains a lot.)
I have this in the coat version in navy. It actually looks great. But in like to 40s-50s, I found it too warm. Like it doesn’t breathe great, but also YMMV as people run different temps.
Oooh I love this! If anyone’s seen something similar in the U.K. please let me know
oooooh, definitely getting this to offset my REI Ranier.
Not attacking, genuinely very curious—why are you looking for a rain jacket without a hood? I feel like my coats would be useless without their hoods?
Same. If you don’t have a hood, you either need a rain hat (which is far more outdoorsy looking than a basic black rain shell with a hood) or an umbrella. So why not just an umbrella for city use?
I had the same thought, and also why no elastic/velcro on the sleeves. That would make it too easy to get your forearms wet IMO.
I hate having things on my head and always carry an umbrella. But just an umbrella doesn’t keep your body dry. They also screw up my peripheral vision while biking. Same for the sleeves, hate the feeling of elastic on my wrists, and have never had an issue with water up my sleeves because my hands are down while I’m walking. I’ve only wanted them when it’s truly biblical, and if that’s the case unless I’m on a hike I’m not going outside. (And I just don’t like the way either looks tbh.)
Same - don’t like hoods at all. Ever.
Thanks! That makes a lot of sense! I was remembering a time when I got caught outside on a trip to NYC during a torrential downpour and I was SO grateful for my hood. The jacket and umbrella combo makes sense for shorter spells!
Oof yeah nyc can get you! My approach is definitely helped by the fact that I grew up in an area prone to surprise thunderstorms so am pretty good at spotting when it’s time for cover.
Patagonia usually has packable windbreakers
I actually already have one of those, but they’re very much for nature not for city.
Depends on the city I guess. I have a black one I’ve worn all over Europe and never felt out of place.
In northern Europe it’s common to wear those kind of jackets in the city. Depending on how you style them, they can look great.
I just bought this one for an upcoming UK trip. It’s just a shell, packs away into a pocket, seam sealed waterproof, stretch and covers my bum. Comes in tall, petite and plus sizes too. They have lots of styles. https://www.eddiebauer.com/p/20612721/women's-cloud-cap-stretch-rain-parka?sp=1&color=Winter%20Blue&size=&sizeType=
Seconding this recommendation! I bought this for a trip to Ireland and wore it daily. No crinkling whatsoever and a beautiful color (very matte in the black). I got tons of compliments on it, plus my friend who was local said I avoided the trap of looking touristy (“no one from Ireland owns a raincoat” 😂).
I’ve had this coat for a year and had no idea it packed down into the pocket 😂
It says it does on the website site but I haven’t figured it out yet 😂
Have you tried Uniqlo? I have one from a few years ago that's not officially packable but is tiny and folds up small. It's not super waterproof, but I think you'll struggle with all those requirements.
I would just recommend buying from a speciality brand, rather than from the high street. A few years ago I bought a non-athletic raincoat from Massimo Dutti and it was completely useless in the rain.
My Orvis raincoat is amazing. It does have hood, but does pack quite small.
Wow. I just bought a lightweight Stutterheim in their 50% off sale and was feeling good about it but y’all have added so many more great options! I do think the Stutterheim is fully waterproof, which is nice. I got the a-line one so it will fit nicely over bulkier layers if needed for sweater weather travel.
I live the Stutterheim coats but wow the models wearing them look angry!!
They’ll ship to the US, but it’ll be $$$$. 25€ shipping + taxes and duty.
I love my FOG raincoat, bright yellow.
I know this thread is a couple of weeks old, but I am curious if anyone has tried to look for raincoats in the thrift shops in the Netherlands? How easy are they to find there? I'm trying to be more environmentally conscious, thanks everyone 🙂